Glory of the Cross – Part 1

Visiting New York City for the first time is an overwhelming experience. Many who read this column will perhaps be veterans or even natives of the place. But for me, my first time came last fall in a visit to speak at the Filipino Southern Baptist Association.

Apart from the incredible speed at which everything moves, it is remarkable how many people move around on the streets no matter if it’s day or night. The other thing that strikes the first-time visitor is the large shadow that is still cast by the Twin Towers that fell September 11, 2001. Even though the physical structures no longer stand, their influence and meaning still do. And, I suppose, always will for Americans and certainly for natives of New York.

There is another structure, however, that has also many years ago been removed. Though it no longer physically stands atop Golgotha Hill, it’s shadow certainly still does. And for Christians and those who have been redeemed by it’s Divine Occupant over two millennia ago, it always will be a reminder of eternal grace.

While I know it is not the cross that saves us but the One Who died there and our faith in Him, nothing more perfectly captures salvation’s plan than the memory of the transected pieces of wood that make up the cross. It is “foolishness to those who are perishing,” according to the Apostle Paul. But “for us who are being saved, it is the power of God unto salvation.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

And that cross will never lose its power.

“But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of Christ my Lord…” Galatians 6:14

FOR REFLECTION: As we begin our journey toward Easter, what does the cross of Jesus mean to you?